http://www.dogresortwoof.jp/

Our son arrived home from Osaka and got acquainted with Rock-ie via Kuma.
Watching him relate to Kuma-a larger abandoned Nihonken and Robin – a Pointer type hunting stray, Rock-ie (newly rescued APBT –type from late May
2010) relaxed and warmed up.

So, on Tuesday, August 24, after a successful time at a camp ground the week
before, we took Kuma and Rock-ie. Robin is elderly and a hunting dog and would
not do well such surroundings. She stayed home with fans on.
The drive was good and the facility easy to find in Yamanakako just near the
west side of the lake.
The hotel is lovely from the outside and I had misgivings. I went in to the
front desk to discuss our dogs using the place. Behind the desk was friendly
pooch who welcomed us and the staff was so friendly and cheerful and helpful.
First time visitors/observers are free. We paid because we wanted to use it
freely. May not have been necessary.
I suggested they make their homepage available in English as many people want
to go there and many ex-pats vacation in that area.
We got a guided tour and they were fine with Kuma and Rock-ie who were on their
best behavior. They loved the place.
Unfortunately, upon entering the pool area, two unleashed large Corgis came
barking at them and cornered them and scared the living daylights out of Kuma
and Rock-ie. They especially went after Kuma who coward and controlled himself,
Rock-ie (whom we have gone out of our way to make sure no instinct of attack is
aroused) was scared out of her wits and didn’t know who to protect Kuma. Neither
of them barked in return. The owners and staff were apologetic and all was okay
but I regret that the day got off to that kind of start. It made Kuma jittery
all day.
We took them into the indoor dog run. It was hot! But, dark and isolated to
they could run freely. Neither dog did. Kuma searched for an escape hatch.
Rock-ie lay down and rested. “Why are we here?” We through balls, frisbies,
bones, and so on. Nope.
Then, two of us rested with Kuma in a quiet area with comfy chairs.
Two took Rock-ie to the gift shop to by shampoo. There, the clerk relaxed
Rock-ie and got her confidence back. Really nice staff!!!
We ate lunch on the wooden deck. The sandwich (700 yen) was pretty good. You
could bring lunch I think. The 2nd floor restaurant was about 1600 yen per meal.
Out of our range for the day.
Then, we tried the outdoor run with no other dogs at all. Again, Kuma tried to
get a running leap over the fence (which is too low for a dog that can jump like
a dingo) but Rock-ie herded him back like a sheep dog!! Eventually, they just
ran and chased and wore off energy. Kuma actually came to me and said he was
tired. Success!! (But would not do it with other dogs in the area after he was
cornered. Disappointment).
We took them to the pool area and they played in the wading pool. Not sure how
people get their dogs used to the real pool. Amazing.
Then we bathed them with shampoo from the gift shop and used the towels freely
and later the coin operated driers in a different room.
A staff member came and took their photos and said she wanted to blog them. The
picture of Kuma she writes makes him look like a crazed wild bear, but he was
just exhausted and really a charming boy she adds. He looks strangled, but that
is just him. He is dramatic.
Rock-ie was just said to be friendly with a lovely smile. That is all I hoped
for, nothing more. I never imagined I’d be taking such a dog to a park!!!
You can see them on the homepage under “STAFF BLOG.”

There was a questionnaire to fill out and I mentioned Angels with Fur and that I
appreciated their welcoming rescued dogs. A trainer is available on Sat and Sun.
But, it must be crowded.

One couple had 2 Rottweillers, 1 Doberman, an APBT, and a Black Lab.
Of course their were also Chihuahuas and Poodles there.

Worth the trip, and the dogs must be crated when sleeping in the rooms which
look lovely. For children, there is nothing to play on and no place to play
ball or frisbee without the dogs so I cannot say that kids would have the best
time their. It is really for the dogs.
If your dog is well-trained and confident and loves to play and obeys, it is a
great place. We will go again, but on a weekday off season.
Thank you all for your support and I wish you all a great end of summer and
ensuing autumn.

from the staff blog with pics of Kuma and Robin:

http://ameblo.jp/woof-dog/

残暑厳しい中、本日もお越しいただきまして

誠にありがとうございます

ちらっと本日のお客様を紹介致します

くまくん

まさにその眼力は野生の熊の感を持っていそうな

鋭さ

・・・・と思いきや

とってもおちゃめな男の子でした

プールではしゃいでご満悦

一緒に来ていたロッキーちゃん　も

大きなお口でスマイル

とってもフレンドリーな女の子で、おすわりの姿勢が
きれいっっ

オーナー様とお話させていただいたところ・・・

２頭はレスキューされて今のお家にやってきたそうです

そんなことは感じさせないぐらいとっても幸せそうな
表情をしていました

これからもずっと幸せが続きますように

Steve and Levi

Dear 22 year old girl with the Chihuahua in your purse on a plane,

You were next to my husband on his five-hour flight the other day.  He was tired and looking forward to a peaceful trip, but your dog yapped the entire time.  My husband came home edgy and angry at your dog.  The guy next to him cussed at you.  The people around you were over the top because for some reason, you felt it necessary to carry your nervous dog in your cute little purse on an airplane.

Possibly you should look into a sedative for your animal. Your dog hates flying.  Did you know that?

I am a dog lover.  We have a darling little fluff ball and a mini–dachshund.  We have a Chihuahua next door who occasionally barks, but he is a cute little dog.  However, my husband is not much of a dog lover.  The fact that we have two dogs is an act of God because my husband just doesn’t enjoy having animals.  So people like you don’t help keep peace amongst those of us who love animals, and non-dog lovers.

My husband almost cried when he got home and our miniature dachshund greeted him then peed with excitement onto the floor.  My husband then scorned your Chihuahua again exclaiming his distaste in animals.

I saw a man who had been torn down, beat up and emotionally destroyed by his dog experience.

So Chihuahua girl, please keep your dog home next time, or talk to your vet about a nice little cocktail drink to help your dog chill out.

Do they make Xanax for animals?

Sincerely,

The woman who had to deal with the edgy husband after he had been on a flight with a yapping Chihuahua.

As we may have mentioned before, its not that easy traveling with us. There is a certain bus company named for a dog breed that, IRONY OF IRONIES, does not accept dogs. Fortunately we have friends with cars.

Next Wednesday we area headed to North Carolina’s Outer Banks. We were pretty excited that our Owner stumbled upon Sun Realty Outer Banks, since they offer homes to rent with a pet friendly option.

So we are all set to attend out very first Cox Family Reunion in North Carolina. Follow Us and our Owner on Twitter, as we confront the angst that only family can bring as 20 Cox Family members collide.

Oh yeah. We are a bitch that loves Cox.

After escaping the nightmare of trying to lead the one eyed truck in the rain out of a Mexican metropolitan area we finally found a main road with a motel. I jumped out and spoke with a motel security guy about what our needs were, after hammering out the details I was lead to the office and paid for our rooms. I was glad to find this motel had car ports to unload in.

The room had four porn channels, and one channel that gave a preview of all four channels, there was a brochure with a selection of booze, and another one with a list of available items one of which seemed to be personal lubricant, a third brochure had an assortment of deserts. There was also a toilet paper dispenser like the kind found in most high traffic public restrooms the kind you might see in a restaurant or bus station, next to the bed.

They did not have a restaurant but by the time we got settled another man had come on duty and he spoke a little English which was a godsend. He ordered some delivery food for us Mac and I got some spaghetti and Ariel and Bambi got pizza. They told us it would be about an hour because they were busy. In about an hour a motorcycle delivery man came and I paid the 360 pesos for our food.

We had to smuggle our pets in and where in terror of being kicked out in the rain if discovered.

 ********If you are curious the price for two single rooms and one double room at this sleazy establishment for one night totaled $900, Pesos for the night******** January 2, 2010.

Mac and I went inside to book our rooms and we found we were told the pets were no problem but for Mac and Bambi to get smoking rooms we had to be in the sixth floor.

We began to unload the van and take some of the animals inside. Everyone left me alone watching the vehicles and disappeared inside to take the first load up. I waited and waited; finally Bambi came out and informed me that the hotel’s idea of accommodating the pets was to insist they remained tied in the outside stairwell behind the hotel. It was already very cold as an uncommonly cold air mass had followed me south. The idea of leaving our pampered housecats outside in the cold was ridiculous. One of the hotel desk clerks a young Hispanic woman thought it was all very funny and laughed a great deal at our suffering. Bambi was nearly in tears and couldn’t believe I had agreed to such terms, in fact I had not. I was ready to sleep in the stairwell if needed but I could not see paying for a room I could not use and Bambi was ready to sleep in the vehicles rather than be separated from them as well. I got my credit card refunded and we reloaded our luggage and pets and continued on in the cold night. Thus our first taste of Mexican hospitality was rude and callous.

*If you are curious the price for two single rooms and one double room at this rude establishment for two nights totaled $8,393.64 at 14 Peso/US dollar.* December 24, 2009.

I have made quite a few road trips with Clover, and then with both Clover and Cosmo in tow.  Clover has crossed the Irish Sea in a ferry a couple of times, stayed at a dog friendly castle in Scotland (twice), and that doesn’t include the air miles earned on Delta.  Cosmo has become a very good traveler, too.   His first road trip to Florida was made when he was only a few months old, and he’s been game for a road trip ever since.

For someone that hasn’t traveled with their dog(s) before, it can seem like a logistical nightmare of what to do, how to do it, where to go, etc.  Here are a couple of pointers that I have found helpful over the years.  I hope they help, and in  no particular order of importance:

• Take two sets of keys to your car, that way if you have to leave the a/c running while making a pit stop you can still lock the door and keep the windows closed thus keeping the dogs safe.
• I don’t stop at highway rest stops unless you I have no other choice.  I have found many of them to very dirty and poop-filled.  I prefer to get off the highway and stop at a Cracker Barrel Restaurant.  They almost always have great green areas (bring your own poop bags) for walking the dogs, they are always busy with lots of people around (for safety), and they don’t mind if you go in and use their bathrooms either.
• Tire them out big time the day before the trip, and a good walk before getting in the car.  Sleeping dogs don’t whine and complain that they’re bored.
• Check online for dog parks that might be along your travel route. I am in Virginia and my parents are about 900 miles away in Florida.  I found a great dog park that my dogs love and if I time it right, I can visit there and enjoy an hour or two with the dogs while they get some exercise.
• “No pets” doesn’t always mean no pets allowed.  We stopped at a hotel in England once that had a huge sign at the front desk that said “No PETS ALLOWED.”  It was pouring rain and we were exhausted and I didn’t want to keep looking for a hotel …. I offered to leave a deposit of 100 pounds .. the manager came out and met Clover (and me and my mom) and said, “No problem” and didn’t charge me for the dog or take the deposit.  Ask.
• I leave my dogs in the back seat with a net barrier between us.  I also keep their leashes on when they’re in the car as its much easier to grab the dogs for getting in and out of the vehicle without fumbling to put their leashes on.
• If you have treats or food in the car during the trip, keep it well sealed and out of their reach. Cosmo once quietly nibbled holes in a bag of dry dog food. He at about 3 cups of the food before I realized it.
• My dogs get very excited when they see the suitcase come out, so I try to pack at the very last minute so they don’t get all worked up.
• Make sure to take current photos of your pets with you (printed out, not just on your cellphone) along with their shot records from the vets. Make sure you have tags on your dogs with your cell phone number, just in case. Mine have tags from Va with my contact info, and they have a tag with my Parents contact info in Florida.
• If you have a travel crate, bring it along if you can. I have found it very helpful to have the crate along as Cosmo will pace all night long in a strange hotel room.  If I use the crate, he will settle down and relax.
• Don’t forget the water bowl, and some extra water for the dogs!

Hope some of these tips help.  Please feel free to leave a comment with any additional tips, too.

Now most of the time we'd probably rather find a pet-friendly hotel or resort, when the trip is a vacation.

But what if it's a business trip? Sometimes, as the article points out, taking your dog along is not the best idea — for you OR your dog:

"People face the decision of what to do with their dogs any time they travel. Does the hotel allow dogs? Is the neighbor’s teenager responsible enough to medicate my geriatric dog? What if there is an emergency with my pet while I’m on the road? A boarding facility may be a better option than travelling with a pet or leaving it with a friend in some circumstances."

So, what should you consider when you have to board your dog? Head on over to the Library and read on.

People travel with their dogs. Noah’s Wish, the animal rescue group I trained with, joined with the Humane Society at the Inauguration this week to care for any dogs that people might have brought along. And a few did show up, even though people were discouraged from bringing them. I have cats, but I know people who take their dogs everywhere.

Anyway, the title of Greenberg’s book is self-explanatory: he discusses places that you might want to avoid in your travels, and explains how he came to his conclusions. The book — which is well-written and informative, though not something you’d pick up like a novel — is divided into chapters addressing specific hazards. In the chapter on water pollution, Greenberg notes that a couple of dogs died drinking the waters of Lake Champlain in Vermont. Another 14 dogs died after they drank from Mississippi’s Lake Washington. Sick fish are mentioned in another section, and tainted dog meat has been linked to cholera in Vietnam. There is even a text box entitled “Don’t Let Fido Go There,” about transporting pets on airlines.

So I recommend this book for people who travel with their pets, even though some sad incidents are recounted. That means it is SAFE for animal lovers. Happy trails!

Look at the photos if you dare!! Obviously this is before ‘the treatment’! I’ll leave you to imagine the shiny, squeaky clean, mud-free, sweet-smelling vehicle that emerged an hour later

And finally, the firm that is responsible for the transformation!

Pet Passports

Being able to travel over to Europe with our dogs has made a big difference to breeders, especially those with minority breeds. It gives us a much wider choice of stud dogs, which enables us to bring in new bloodlines.

The Days of the Cesky Terrier bring together the best dogs from around the world, and as a breeder it is an invaluable experience, enabling me to see the strengths and weaknesses of the various kennels. As we spend a weekend together, there is far more opportunity to see the dogs in a natural environment – not just in the rather artificial setting of the show ring.

The leaves are starting to turn colors. This was taken yesterday on the Blue Ridge Parkway outside of Asheville near Mt. Pisgah

Clover here.  A quick update.  We made it.  The drive wasn’t too bad, your woman stopped a couple of times to let us out and walk around and use the facilities.  Cosmo was a real pain and he wouldn’t let me stretch out in the back seat, so I sat up most of the way.  I didn’t mind too much because I like to look out the window.  Note to Cosmo: no cheese or eggs for you the day before a road trip.  You stink.

Cosmo here.  How many times do I have to tell you, it wasn’t me?  The Barker is right.  Up and out of the house by 6:30 a.m. and we were set free at our favorite North Carolina lake by 3:30 p.m.  Woohoo!  (Note to all:  I have hidden the life preserver.  There are a lot of other dogs around and I don’t want anyone to know I’m a dork.)

Your woman here.  They’re right.  The drive was easy and uneventful.  The weather was perfect and the traffic wasn’t bad at all.  After we checked in, the two maniacs chased each other around the yard and up and down the deck stairs and back again.  After I unpacked, they took a dip in the lake and barked at everything that moved.  Our cabin is next to the property office which also happens to have a huge chicken coop in the yard.  Oh. Boy.  Another thing for Clover to bark at.

I’ve mentioned before about Clover’s “happy tail” issues.  She wags her tail constantly.  And, on occasion I’ve had to wrap her tail because she hits something so hard that she splits the end of her tail open.  At the moment, its just bruised and not bleeding too badly, so the wrap is pretty pathetic.  Its really only there to keep things from getting worse.  On the Clover Tail Meter, this vacation is a 10.

Clover At The Lake Last Year.

Clover here: Just thought I would let you know that something is afoot around here and I haven’t been able to quite figure it all out.  Your Woman has been very busy! She’s was looking in the closet for something, and has been collecting up our toys and other things.  She was mumbling about having so many suitcases but never the right one or size.  I’ve been trying to tell her that the blue duffel bag suitcase that she likes is under the bed in the guest room, but she keeps telling me to be quiet.

She bought some weird looking jacket for Cosmo .. an orange contraption called a life preserver.   It is bright orange and Cosmo gets zipped into it.  It’s too funny, because it makes him look like a giant neon orange dork.  Your woman kept telling the dork that now he’ll float instead of sink in the lake.

Lake?  Did she say lake?  Oh my! Oh My!  Does that mean what I think it means?  ROAD TRIP!

Cosmo here: I DO NOT LOOK LIKE A DORK!

Clover here: YES YOU DO!

Your Woman here: He does look like a dork.  Cosmo might be the only Labrador Retriever in existence that can’t (or won’t) swim.  We’re off to the wilds of North Carolina for a week beginning this Sunday!

Woohoo!  ROAD TRIP!

..be as cool as this one, take, (tada, advertising alert), CALM DAWG.

Because your dogchum deserves a happy hols too!
Bone Voyage!

Just when I let my guard down … she did it again. Up at the crack of dawn, dry yucky kibble and a bowl of water for breakfast and I’m not even awake yet … a quick run around the backyard … and we were scooped up and tossed into the back seat of the truck. Damn. I knew something was up when all of our stuff started coming out of the closet and piling up in the garage. Then, the pile in the garage, including the bag with my favorite pink octopus, disappeared when I wasn’t looking.

Clover seems to be taking all of this in stride. I am upset. I can’t think straight. I love my person, and I love my Clover, but I really like the old people and Misty, too. The weather is really nice here and the yard is so big! Plus, the old guy slips me the occasional tidbit under the table when no one is looking.

The only comfort is that all of our stuff .. including my octopus and stuffed penguin are in the truck with us. Thank goodness it all fit in the back back because I did not want to sit on top of all that junk for two days. I hope she forgot the kibble.

Update: We stayed at a hotel in North Carolina last night. It smelled strange, but it was clean. I ate a baked potato for dinner and drank a big bowl of water. Walked twice around the hotel a couple of times. Pee’d on some strange looking bushes. Can’t poop in public with an audience so I’m holding it until we get home. Clover slept the whole night on the other bed all by herself. Not sure why. I had a really hard time falling asleep, but eventually I nodded off. The people upstairs were noisy clod hoppers. Slept on the bed with the person and my blankie. I have the stinkies. Clover and the person snored.

Up before the sun. Water. Passed on the kibble. Pee’d on the bushes. She tried to poison me with something called Corn Flakes. Bleck. Where’s my potato?

Next stop – home.

My original plan was to bring more stuff to my parents than I was going to take back. Yeah, well that worked out well. Not!

The only things I have left to load into the truck are the computer, my purse, and, oh yeah, two very large labrador retrievers. Not a bad job if I say so myself.

They have both been pacing back and forth between the garage and the living room to the bedroom. They definitely know when a road trip is in their future, and I don’t imagine I’ll get much sleep tonight, either.

Mal, Lizzie and I packed up and headed to Shreveport, Louisiana this weekend with Debbie (Malcolm’s breeder) and her beautiful rough tri collie Stormy for two days of dog shows. Lizzie spent most of the weekend in her crate supervising our neighbors as they groomed and prepped dogs and charming a few pro handlers who were curious as to what the heck she was. Mal behaved himself very nicely and was sadly unappreciated by the judges both days; Stormy won his class on Saturday and came in second on Sunday. Oh well- them’s the breaks in the whole dog show game. There’s always another weekend of shows.

This was supposed to be a daily journal but it grew(see My Name is Roxie’s Diary)(unlike me – I’m very small, but not in spirit). I’m not the most focused cavalier king charles spaniel and my mind goes in different directions all at once –so I decided to break up my journal into different topics. By the way I refer to my parents as maw,mawm, mawther,paw,pawther etc.,. I really think this is very,very, silly but my maw and paw made me because they don’t want everyone to know that I call them by their given names. See Roxie’s Summer 2008

ROXIE’S CAVALIER RESCUE: Cavalier Rescue is one of my priorities — seeing I’m a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.  Meet:Winston in Phoenix, AZ  and Rusty in Deltona, FL See ROXIE’S CAVALIER RESCUE for pictures and links of Winston and Rusty

ROXIE DIGS NEWS BITES –Roxie Digs Newsbites came about because I’m subjected to several radios blaring away all day. Because of this I feel somewhat compelled to share some of the noise that permeates my subconscious and since there are so many different stations on at the same time – I could get events a little mixed up. 

Westminster Kennel Club Best in Toy Group 2012  Ch Palacegarden Malachy a.k.a. “Malachy” a Pekingese See Best of Group video. Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show 2012  Ch Palacegarden Malachy  a.k.a. “Malachy” a Pekingese – See Best in Show 2012 Video, Uggie A Nine Year Old Jack Russell Stars in The Artist and Water For Elephants,   A FISH CALLED SARAH -GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN RESIGNS (Video)– movie footage  A Fish Called Wanda; soundtrack Frankie Lane “Song of the Wild Goose” – Full Text of Sarah Palin’s Resignation as Governor on July 3, Friday, 2009, HEY! BO(DIDDLEY)WAY TO GO! – WATCH BO DIDDLEY’S 1973 CONCERT AND BO OBAMA’S WHITEHOUSE DEBUT-THE OBAMA’S SEARCH FOR FIRST POOCH ENDS, To the Masked Avengers With Love Roxie–Sarah Palin’s Strange Phone Call - On November 1/2008 Sarah Palin was pranked by Marc-Antoine Audette and Sebastien Trudel, who are known as the Masked Avengers claiming to be French president Nicolas Sarkozy (audio and transcript of call accompanied by Dr. Strangelove movie footage), Stump The Comeback Pooch Best In Show 2009(Video), The Obama Dog Search Narrows “This Has Been Tougher Than Finding A Commerce Secretary”-First Dog Will be a Labradoodle or Portuguese Water Dog, The Cautionary Tale of Joe Biden’s Puppy’s(Champ) Journey to the Whitehouse- from Outrage to Vindication, The Search for the Obama Family Dog Makes the Cover of the New Yorker, “So You Have A New Dog and Your Mother-In-Law Moving In With You to the Whitehouse” -Steve Kroft’s 60 Minute Interview with the Obama’s, “A Mutt Like Me” Highlights Dog Shelters.  President Elect Barack Obama in his first press conference gave dog shelters  across the country a big boost; see videos and links,  President Elect Barack Obama tells his girls they’ve earned the puppy that’s coming with them to the White House, Snarly Barney, President Bush’s Scottie is Aloof With Strangers- So Beware; On two separate ocassions this fall Barney drew blood when a Whitehouse Reporter, and a Public Relations Director for the Boston Celtics tried to pat him(2 videos) .,Sarah Palin’s Consignment Store Out of the Closet Is Not for Joe the Plumber(See Out of the Closet’s Current Picks(Video), Every Dog Has It’s Day – See Pampered Pooch Package offered at the St. Regis Hotel, Monarch Beach, California where AIG hosted a luxury retreat right after it received a government bailout for $85 Billion ( also video tour of St. Regis hotel), GIDGET (The Little Girl with the Big Ideas) GOES TO WASHINGTON (Katie Couric’s interview with John McCain and Sarah Palin(Gidget footage superimposed on interview) and 1959 timeline,Sarah Palin Foreign Policy 101–As Putin Rears His Head (Katie Couric’s Interview with Sarah PalinSarah explains why Russia’s proximity to Alaska enhances her foreign policy experience)-From Russia with Love and Dr. Strangelove movie footage, “Roxie Digs No Pantyhose Too!!!” Watch Michelle Obama on the View, Roxie Digs Barack Obama, Michelle OBama “You guys are getting a dog”, Watch and Read the entire Checker’s Speech, Discussion and Reaction to President Richard Nixon’s 1952 Famous Checker’s Speech(Video), Read The Dog Carries the Day, Read How Edward A Rogers helped save Richard Nixon’s political career, Barbara Streisand and her dogs, Steven Spielberg remembers his dog,  Peter Mansbridge and Karheinz Schreiber Interview and Brian Mulroney’s Statement (Soundtrack “I Remember It Well” (from Gigi)Sung by Maurice Chevalier and Hermione  Gingold)

ROXIE’S DOG RADIO (AND SOMETIMES TELEVISION)is a collection of audio and video clips that will hopefully either amuse and or inform paw-ther and maw-ther to make them better and happier people so that they can take better care of me. The one’s with the dog’s barking in the background I like the best .

Stump the “Comeback Pooch” Best In Show Westminster Kennel Club 2009 (Video), Uno First Beagle Ever to Win Best In Show- Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2008(Video) , DOGS CATCH BUS TO GO SWIMMING, Camp Lejeune, military prisoners train dogs to help injured vets, Watch Honey the Money Dog-The Dog Cashier, “Leona Helmsley”On Point experts discuss the effects pets have on people, Ontario Today Pet Phone-In July/08, Listen to: Calling All Pets(March15/08), Ontario Today Pet Therapy Phone-In(March 18/08, Bailey rides the train to New York City for King Charles Cavalier Meet-Up Feb 2008, Dog Hotels, Rent a Dog, Puppies in Prison, Catering Gone to the Dogs,

ROXIE’S HEALTH SITE The information on this site is an attempt to keep me a safe, healthy and happy dog.

Roxie A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Evolution of the Modern Dog; FIRST AID FOR YOUR DOG – HEIMLICH MANEUVER, CPR,  SEIZURES, SHOCK, INSECT BITES, (VIDEOS); CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIELS – MEET THE BREED(VIDEOS) – HISTORY, APPEARANCE, HEALTH ISSUES; KATIE THE MIRACLE DOG – SLATED FOR EUTHANASIA KATIE BECAME A READING THERAPY DOG, Dogs, Thunderstorms and Thunderphobia(Experts Discuss Help for Noise Phobic Dogs), Roxie’s Summer and Water  Safety Video Pics and articles for your dog, Winterize Your Dog:Keeping your dog safe during the “Dog Days of Winter”(articles and videos),Reasons For Euthanasia, Watch children with autism video and service dogs,  Ontario Today Pet Therapy Phone-In, Music Soothes Both Dogs and Babies

ROXIE READS(INDEX)–  Joy Behar comedian and co-host of the View and owner of two mutts Gracie and Tallulah has written two children’s books about dogs: Sheetzucacapoopoo:My Kind of Dog and Sheetzucacapoopoo 2: Max Goes to the Dogs by Joy Behar;  The Puppy Diaries: Raising a Dog Named Scout by Jill Abramson The First Woman Executive Editor of the New York Times.,  Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know by Alexandra Horowitz: Listen to Tom Ashbrook’s interview with psycologist Alexandra Horowitz; Second Chance How Adoption Saved A Boy with Autism and His Shelter Dog by  Sandra J. Gerencher -All characters in the story are based on Sandra’s real life family.  Read along as this adopted dog adjusts to his new home and the boy with autism who befriends him.
My Senator and Me: A Dog’s-Eye View Of Washington, D.C. By Senator Edward “Ted” M Kennedy(February 22, 1932 – August 25, 2009). A children’s book  and video that  follows Senator Kennedy and his beloved Portuguese Waterdog  Splash through a busy day in Washington, D.C., from press conferences to meetings with school groups to committee discussions to a floor vote.  Splashy is the narrator. Listen and watch excerpts and also watch a video of the late Senator Kennedy hitting tennis balls to Splashy: Update:  On Wednesday, December 22/2010 Splashy passed away: See videos of the late Senator Edward Kennedy, his wife Vicki, and their two Portuguese Water Dogs Splash and Sunny.,  ONE INCREDIBLE DOG! KIZZY BY WILLIAMS AND JUDITH FRIEDMAN(ILLUSTRATOR) -spend the day with Kizzy a Reading Education Assistance Dog (R.E.A.D.) as he visits  classrooms, the home of an elderly stroke victim, a speech-therapy clinic, and a facility for troubled teens., HOORAY FOR READING DAY! (Jessica Worries Series) by MARGERY CUYLER and the R.E.A.D.(READING EDUCATION ASSISTANCE DOGS PROGRAM),JOHN GROGAN’S “MARLEY AND ME”: INTERVIEWS, READINGS AND BEHIND THE SCENES WITH THE TRAINERS- Did you know that in the making of Marley and Me they used 22 labradors and of the 22 labs they rescued 6, Patricia McConnell’s Page - bio, list of  all  of  Patricia’s books, Tales of Two Species and Play Together Stay Together–Two new books  by Patricia McConnell (listen to Patricia discuss her two new books with Diane Rehm), Shaggy Muses author and clinical psycologist Maureen Adams says “It’s all right to be madly in love with your dog.” Listen to Maureen Adams discuss her book Shaggy Muses: The Dogs Who Inspired Virginia Woolf, Emily Dickinson, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Edith Wharton, and Emily Brontë with Patricia McConnell and Larry Meiller.,May I Pet Your Dog by children’s author Stephanie Calmenson(listen to Stephanie discuss her book) (A  must read for visitors to the Whitehouse—ask Jon Decker and Heather Walker), Izzy and Lenore: Two Dogs, an Unexpected Journey, and Me by Jon Katz, also see Jon Katz and Izzy video ,  Stanley Coren, Eugene O’Neill,John Steinbeck, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Virginia Woolf, Roger Rosenblatt,Charles Krauthammer, Christie Blatchford, Senator Richard Nixon’s Famous Checker’s Speech, Barbara Amiel and her dog Jonas, Jon Katz,Billy Collins United States Poet Laureate (2001-2003) and dog lover.

MY NAME IS ROXIE’S RECIPES -These (dog) recipes  are a collection that Mawm found on the internet (see Roxie’s Free Internet Recipes)  - (unfortunately Mawther doesn’t cook or bake for me).  Also includes what foods your dog should avoid.  STANLEY COREN STEPS INTO THE KITCHEN AND BAKES DOG BISCUITS, PREPARES HOMEMADE DOG FOOD, AND DISCUSSES NUTRITION(VIDEOS).

ROXIE’S FAMILY AND DOG ISSUES There are so many ways that my canine friends can heal a family, or help someone with a disabiity do better.  This site will bring out some examples where my fellow dogs have helped individuals and families deal with difficult issues.

My Name Is Roxie Replies to Thinking Mother’s Post: “Am I the only one that thinks having a child read aloud to a dog is weird or inferior?”, CHILDREN READING TO DOGS =R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs i.e. Reading Assistant therapy dogs(Videos and Links), – Dogs and Children With Autism(Videos and Links), – Zachary -A Case Study - A Therapy Dog(Henry) and a Child with Autism- (Zachary)(Parts 1,2,3, 4 ,5)(Videos) -Watch a remarkable progression,—A Rescue Dog helps children with autism see Hanson Centrer video,–R.E.A.D.(READING EDUCATION ASSISTANCE DOGS PROGRAM)  and HOORAY FOR READING DAY! (Jessica Worries Series) by MARGERY CUYLER, –May I Pet Your Dog by children’s author Stephanie Calmenson(listen to Stephanie discuss her book) (A  must read for visitors to the Whitehouse—ask Jon Decker and Heather Walker),–Second Chance How Adoption Saved A Boy with Autism and His Shelter Dog by  Sandra J. Gerencher - All characters in the story are based on Sandra’s real life family.  Read along as this adopted dog adjusts to his new home and the boy with autism who befriends him.Sandra J. Gerencher is a special education teacher. Before becoming a teacher, she worked at Lehigh University in a school-based program, as a Program Specialist for adults with disabilities.

ROXIE’S BABY AND DOG ISSUES – I really don’t have any issues with anyone but this deals with other dogs that might have a problem with a new baby suddenly appearing – MUSIC AND DOGS -LISTEN TO HOW LULLABIES SOOTHES BOTH BABIES AND DOGS AND THE SOUND OF THE  MOTHER’S HEARTBEAT IN TWINKLE TWINKLE  LITTLE STARS,  PREPARING THE FAMILY DOG FOR  BABY’S ARRIVAL

ROXIE DIGS CELEBRITIES AND THEIR DOGS-    Joy Behar comedian and co-host of the View and owner of two mutts Gracie and Tallulah has written two children’s books about dogs:Sheetzucacapoopoo:My Kind of Dog and Sheetzucacapoopoo 2: Max Goes to the Dogs by Joy Behar;   J. Edgar Hoover (January 1, 1895 – May 2, 1972) was the first Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the United States (FBI): Read:About his dogs; Spee De Bozo, Cindy and three of whom were named G-Boy,  Doris Day Animal Enthusiast’s New Album My Heart Tops the Charts in the U.K- Proceeds From My Heart go to the Doris Day Animal Foundation; Academy award actress, excercise guru, author and social activist Jane Fonda and her 5 year old Coton De Tulear Tulea  Are Joined at the Hip(Videos); “Golden Girl”emmy-winning actress and comedian Betty White – is a pet enthusiast and animal health advocate:  Watch Betty on Larry King Live March 17/2010; See Betty in her Snickers Super Bowl Commercial; Meet Ponty in Betty’s  video promos for Morris Animal Foundation and SPCA Montgomerey;   Tori the Tri-coloured Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in The Young Victoria; Queen Victoria Britain’s Longest Reigning Queen and Dog Fancier: See rare video footage; pictures of her “dear little dogs”; Dame Elizabeth Taylor Humanitarian and Animal Lover(Videos) – Lassie Come Home, National Velvet, Courage of Lassie, Elizabeth Gifts Michael Jackson an Elephant, also Elizabeth and beloved dog  Sugar are interviewed by Paolo Limiti .,Sadie, Sadie, Lovely Lady –  Oprah Adopts New Pooch from PAWS Chicago Animal Shelter (Video)  Leona Helmsley – On Point discusses effects pets on have people,  Billy Collins United States Poet Laureate(2001-2003) and dog lover,  Watch Barbara Streisand sing to her dog Sammie in a live performance in Paris

ROXIE’S MORNING SMILE This requires no explanation.  Why don’t you start off the day right?  Dog Fetches Beer from Refrigerator, See Dogs Catch Bus To Go Swimming, Roxie, Duck and Friends, skatboarding dog, talking dog etc

Lizzie and I left on Tuesday evening (1/15/08) for Portland, about a 3.5 hour flight from Dallas. We flew American and it was GREAT- the evening flight (departing at 9:25) was fairly empty and I had a row to myself. Lizzie is small enough to ride in an under-seat carrier (and probably will remain so)- there was a (very oversized) Silky Terrier on the row ahead of us who was 14″ and probably 25 pounds. BIG boy. Lizzie did GREAT getting through the airport and was slept through most of the flight- I woke her up about 2 hours in and gave her some ice cubes to munch on- I knew she was thirsty (and hungry) but we still had a way to go.) She was THRILLED to see the grass when we landed- I headed straight out to the pickup area as soon as we got off the plane, then circled back in to pick up my checked baggage. My friend Emily met me with her daughter, Dea, and Cardigans Traum and Galaxy in tow.

Emily’s been a friend of mine for almost 7 years- my corgi Indy is the same age as her Traum and we got involved in the breed at the same time. Galaxy is her 9 month old puppy and was being shown for the second time at the Rose City Classic- one of the specialties is a Supported Entry for the national breed club- so there was TOUGH competition on all the days. The Rose City Classic is a HUGE dog show- 5 days of shows including some 20-odd breed specialties, obedience, agility, and rally competition. It’s filmed to be aired on Animal Planet every year and the group ring is huge and very plush because of that. (Photo to the left is Emmy showing Galaxy on Friday in the v. swanky ring!)

Because Rose City is so big, there are TONS of spectators and it’s a very big deal show to vend at. There are 60-odd vendors selling everything from dog show supplies like leashes and treats to toys, crates, kennel flooring, every manner of grooming tool, and most importantly for us, gifty things for dog lovers. Emily is a fellow artisan and does DARLING dog breed pins sculpted out of polymer clay. When I started making my pendants, we’d talked about vending together at this show, but the waiting list was REALLY long. We got on the waiting list in October of 2006, just after my first art show, and were told it would probably take us 4-5 years to actually make it to the invitation stage. On December 27th, we got a call- they’d had a space open up, were we interested in vending? HECK YEAH! So we scrambled and I painted like a mad thing for 3 weeks to get enough inventory for the show! We recruited two of Emily’s friends- fellow sculptor Amy and general crafty-lady Marion, who makes super-yummy homemade doggy treats, scarves, and checkbook covers.

So early Wednesday morning, we made our first trek to the Expo Center, where the dog show was held, and set up our booth with Marion’s help. By that point, we were WIPED- we checked into the hotel a day early and crashed early- ready to be up and at ‘em early on Thursday for the first day of the show.

As it turned out, vending Thursday was optional. We did some sales and but it was definitely the least busy day. In the future, we’re not going to let people put things ‘on hold’ more than a day, though! There were a ton of other great vendors, from Dogwise.com (more dog books than you can imagine!) to 3Cs dog supply to a REALLY great Canadian dog outfitter who sold all sorts of great stuff from Ruffwear and Planet Dog, and some REALLY awesome collars and leads. Amy finished up her work week and showed up with her adorable Shiba boy Naughty, who is the Most Polite Shiba On The Planet.

Friday was a little more chaotic than Thursday, since Emily was showing Galaxy and Amy was showing Naughty at different times. This ended up being the only day I got to see Galaxy show. I also got to meet a number of other darling Cardis, including a cute Baledwr boy owned by C-Myste named Wally. The smooth collies showed shortly after the Cardis and I got to watch part of that too- I wish that I had taken Mal along for the trip since I think he would have done very well. The big ring size really allowed both the Cardis and Collies to move out. Here in Texas where nearly all shows are indoors, small rings are a really common problem.

On Saturday, Marion also came to help at the booth, which was great- everyone got longer breaks. I got to watch some FAST agility (which is sort of like Snooker- I’ll talk about this another day) in the morning and obedience in the afternoon- mostly open and and utility. There was a REALLY tricky looking rally course that I wish we’d gotten to try (I meant to snag a course map if there were any left over but I forgot), and some really impressive dogs competing in all three sports. I got to meet a few rare breeds too- a Pumi and a Buhund! Lizzie had her picture taken by a blogger for the main Portland Newspaper (see last entry) and in general was her usual charming self.

On Sunday, I got to meet two Spanish Water Dogs- another breed currently in AKC’s FSS. This is a really neat breed that’s another generalist- in addition to water work, they did some herding and were just all-purpose companion and working dogs. They have a lovely coat that both curls and cords, and adorable faces.

Monday was the last day and we were all exhausted. Ironically, this day had GORGEOUS (but VERY cold) weather- this was the first morning that was clear and not too foggy- I got to see Mount Jefferson, Mount Hood, and Mount St. Helens all lit up by the rising sun- truly gorgeous. Emily’s husband Curtis drove up (on his motorcycle, in 20 degree weather (that’s Faranheit, in case anyone forgets! BRRR!) to help us break down the booth, and shortly after 7:30 we finished packing everything up and left the Expo center for the last time for this year!

I flew out early Tuesday morning- another pretty day. The plane taking off over the snowy mountains was quite a sight, but I was REALLY tired and fell asleep almost immediately. I spent most of last week recovering from the dog show.

All in all it was a REALLY fun trip and I can’t wait to do it again next year!

I mentioned then that I’d written an essay about Austin, and now it’s in the January, 2008 issue of Dog Fancy.
“A Dog’s-eye View of Austin” is in the magazine’s Canine Traveler section. Trouble is, Dog Fancy is not available online. My story is listed on a site called Animal Network, but if you link to that site, all you get is a list of the table of contents for the January, 2008 issue of Dog Fancy. No links. Dang.
Oh, well. Guess you’ll just have to check your local newsstand. Better yet, take your dog to the vet for a check-up – vet offices ALWAYS have copies of Dog Fancy lying around. In the meantime, here’s a tease from the end of the essay:
“On our way to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport I lamented that we hadn’t found time to go to any of the dog parks. When our flight to Chicago was delayed, we got our chance. Even the airport has a dog park!

Located outside the lower level at the east end of the terminal, the airport dog park was originally conceived to let guide dog users like me walk our dogs at the airport without crossing a street. Realizing that other traveling dogs might need a break after a long flight in a kennel, airport administrators decided to welcome all dogs – and other traveling animals – to the park as well.

Hanni looped around the park’s figure-eight walking path with me a few times, then took advantage of the low-to-the-ground drinking fountains for some cool water. The park even supplies dog bowls.”
Just found out that Hanni and I will be returning to Austin in May – I’m giving a keynote at Access U, a yearly conference/workshop about accessible technology. Access U is put on by a non-profit in Austin called Knowbility. Last year I sat on a panel with Knowbility’s Executive Director and co-founder Sharron Rush. I’m looking forwar to working with Sharron again. And Hanni? She’s looking forward to that airport with a dog park!